Calculating your menstrual cycle isn't difficult and can help you get to know your body better. Considering the interval in days between the start of a period and the next, you can get an idea of the moments of greatest fertility and the general health of your reproductive system. Also, taking note of your cycle flow, symptoms, and irregularities can help you learn more about your body and anticipate possible medical complications.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Count the Days Between Periods
Step 1. Start counting from the first day of the period
To get an accurate representation of your menstrual cycle, start from day one. Mark the date on your calendar or on an app that monitors your period.
Smartphone apps like Clue, Glow, Eve and Period Tracker are designed to help you track your menstrual cycle. They are simple, data-driven means of keeping track of the length of your period
Step 2. Count the days before the start of the next period
The count restarts on the first day of the menstrual cycle. This means that a cycle ends the day before the next period. Do not include the first day of flow, even if it starts later in the day.
For example, if your period started on March 30th and the next period arrives on April 28th, the duration is from March 30th to April 27th, for a total of 29 days
Step 3. Record your period for at least 3 months
The length of the menstrual cycle varies from month to month. If you want an accurate representation of the average length of your period, you must record it for at least 3 months. The longer you collect data, the more accurate the average will be.
Step 4. Calculate the average length of your cycle
You can do this using the numbers obtained from the period count. You can recalculate the average each month to get an increasingly accurate representation of your overall cycle length. However, remember that the average shows a trend and does not accurately predict the duration of the following period.
- To find the average, add the total days in your cycle for all the months you tracked. Then divide the total by the number of months taken into account. You will get the average cycle length.
- For example, if you had a cycle of 28 days in April, 30 in May, 26 in June, and 27 in July, the average is (28 + 30 + 26 + 27) / 4, which equates to an average cycle of 27, 75 days.
Step 5. Continue recording your cycle
Do it every month. Even if you reach a certain goal, like getting pregnant, collecting information about your periods throughout your life can help you know when something is wrong. Doctors will also often ask you about your period. By monitoring the periods and their durations you will have the most precise information possible.
If your doctor asks you for the date of your last period, he means the starting date, not the ending one
Method 2 of 3: Track Your Cycle
Step 1. Watch the flow
A very heavy menstrual flow can indicate other health problems and cause some, such as anemia and lethargy. As you take note of your period, pay attention to days when the flow is heavy, normal, and light. In most cases, you won't need to measure the amount of blood. Just make an estimate considering what type of menstrual products you use (super size tampons, normal sanitary pads, etc.) and how often you need to replace them.
- For example, if you have to change a super tampon every hour, your flow may be excessively heavy.
- Remember that almost all women have heavier and lighter flow days. Some variation is completely normal.
- The intensity of the flow varies greatly from person to person. A heavier or lighter cycle is not problematic in itself. Conversely, beware of very busy periods or ones you miss altogether, as they can indicate other health problems.
Step 2. Notice the changes in mood, energy levels, and body before and during your period
PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder can have many effects, from mild nervousness to complete discomfort. Knowing when those symptoms are most likely to show up can help you plan and cope better. Take note of the more extreme mood swings, changes in energy levels and appetite, physical symptoms such as headaches, cramps and sinus pain in the days leading up to and during the period.
- If your symptoms are so extreme that you can't go through your days normally, see your doctor. It may help you find a solution or suggest a suitable management program.
- See your doctor even if you notice symptoms you have never experienced, such as severe lethargy. In some cases they are indications of a more serious medical problem.
Step 3. Seek medical attention for any sudden and significant changes
Each woman has a different cycle. You have no problem if your period doesn't follow the same rules as another woman's. However, sudden or noticeable changes in your cycle are often indications of more serious health problems. Consult your doctor or gynecologist if you miss a period or if the flow is very intense.
- You should also see a doctor if you experience severe cramps, migraines, lethargy or depression in the days leading up to and during your period.
- Your doctor will ask you what symptoms you feel and carry out the necessary tests to check if the changes in your cycle are related to medical problems, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, ovarian failure, and others.
Method 3 of 3: Check Ovulation Based on Cycle Length
Step 1. Find the center point of the menstrual cycle
Ovulation usually occurs in the middle days of the period. Calculate half of your average cycle to get an idea of what the middle phase of the next will be.
For example, if you have an average cycle of 28 days, half is 14 days. If your cycle is 32 days, half is 16 days
Step 2. Add 5 days before ovulation
If you're trying to get pregnant, those days are just as important as ovulation. The chances of getting pregnant are increased if you have sex during that time.
Your eggs can be fertilized for 24 hours after they are released and the sperm can survive for 5 days in the fallopian tubes after sex. Having sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation, as well as in the 5 days preceding it, offers the best chances of fertilizing the eggs
Step 3. Use an ovulation test if you have an irregular period
If your period is irregular, checking for ovulation based on your cycle length is not the most accurate method. In this case, you may want to use a test.
